Acrylic Cleaning LEXAN PETG Technical Data For Acrylic Plastic Repair

PETg Data Sheet: 

Laser Service                Plastic Fab

Trade Name Polyethylene Terephthalate Copolymer
SHEET PROPERTIES
- Excellent transparency and high gloss surface
- High Impact resistance, similar to polycarbonate
- For impact sensitive applications the sheet thickness can often be reduced cf PMMA sheet
- Ductile. Break elongation similar to polycarbonate
- Easily thermoformable
- Excellent Chemical resistance.
- Complies with FDA standard (21 CFR 177,1315) USA, suitable for food contact
- Reduces sound transmission
- Sterilisable
- Recyclable
THERMAL STABILITY
Articles manufactured with this product should not be exposed to continuous use at over 65/70c, according to the application
FABRICATION
- Does not stress whiten when cold formed up to 2.5mm
- Can be cut with guillotine
- Easily saw cut, routed and drilled without burrs
- Can be bonded with solvent
- Easily welded, like PVC
- Surface scratch's can easily be removed with a heat gun
- Unlike polycarbonate, NUDECPETg can be cut with a laser
- The same tools used for diamond polishing PMMA can be used for polishing NUDECPETg sheet
WEATHERING
The ultraviolet component in solar radiation causes most plastics to degrade. This degradation depends on the exposure conditions, i.e. the actual duration of the exposure, the angle of the sheet with respect to the incidence of the solar radiation, and the temperature humidity and intensity of the radiation (geographical coordinates).
Degradation is apparent by progressive yellowing, a decrease in the light transmission and a loss of mechanical properties.
NUDECPETg sheet is not protected against the effects of weathering, though the material itself does possess a certain resistance to weathering conditions and may thus be used for outdoor applications in which the sheet is not permanently exposed to such radiation.
APPLICATIONS

- Displays, display cases and other Point of Purchase advertising applications
- Machine Guards
- Moulds
- Vending and recreation machines
- Signs
- Orthopedic parts and components for medical equipment
- Protective shields (anti-riot shields)
- Building elements
- Street furniture (vandal proof)
- Articles for food

MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS METHOD UNITS VALUE
PHYSICAL
Density ISO 1183 g.cm 1.27
MECHANICAL
Tensile Strength @ Yield ISO 527 Mpa 53
Tensile Strength @ Break ISO 527 Mpa 26
Elongation @ Break ISO 527 % >200
Tensile Modulus of Elasticity ISO 527 Mpa 2200
Flexural Strength ISO 178 Mpa 79
Charpy Notched Impact Strength ISO 179 Kj.m2 10
Charpy Unnotched ISO 179 Kj.m2 No Break
Rockwell Hardness M/R scale     (*)/115
Ball Indentation ISO 2039 Mpa (*)
OPTICAL
Light Transmission   % 88
Refractive Index     1.57
THERMAL
Max. Service temperature   °C 78
VICAT Softening point (10 N) ISO 306 °C 83
VICAT Softening Point (50 N) ISO 306 °C 78
HDT A@1.8 Mpa ISO 75-1.2 °C 68
HDT B@ 0.45 Mpa ISO 75-1.2 °C 72
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion x10-5   x10-5 °C 6.8
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE BEHAVIOUR
  GOOD LIMITED POOR
Mineral Oil X    
Vegetable Oil X    
Acetone     X
Acetic Acid   X  
Water X    
Turpentine X    
Ammonia     X
Detergents X    
Ethanol X    
Petrol X    
Glycerine X    
Methanol   X  
Toluene     X
* test conditions
FIRE PERFORMANCE
  COUNTRY STANDARD CLASSIFICATION
  UK BS 476: Part 7 2
  GERMANY DIN 4102-1 B2
  FRANCE NFP 92-507 M4
CLEANING
Clean the sheet with a solution of lukewarm water and a little neutral soap and rinse with fresh water, using a very softsponge or chamois
CUTTING
SAW CUTTING:
The types of saw commonly used in wood or metal work produce good results: circular saw, band saw, roughing saw and handsaw. Circular and band saws produce better edges and can be used for almost all cutting operations.

The Blade design plays an important part in sawing plastics. It is preferable to use a saw blade with wide set teeth as the gap helps to remove swarf. The best results are obtained with straight, angle set teeth. To prevent the plastic from melting or cracking the blade must be very sharp and the fence should be be placed very near the cut to reduce any vibration.

DIE CUTTING:
NUDECPETg sheet (up to 2mm) can be satisfactory cut using a die with steel blade. The blade should be changed or sharpened frequently.

The press for die cutting should be adjusted so that the stroke completely slices through the plastic sheet and stops before the blade becomes damaged
POLISHING

Sheet edges must be smoothed first to remove the marks left by the circular saw.
The following made be used:
- Rigid fabric rotary disc with cleaning paste following by soft fabric discs with cleaning paste for the final finish
NUDECPETg sheet can be flame-polished using a standard propane torch or a hot-nitrogen welder. Both techniques require accurate control of the distance between the sheet and the heat source; otherwise, surface whitening or excessive material flow may occur

DRILLING
NUDECPETg sheet can be readily drilled using a standard drill press or hand-held drill with sharp, clean drill bits. Drill bits designed for use with plastic are recommended. Standard drill bits can, on occasion, by used but may have to be ground to reduce the depth or angle of the cut. Hold the work securely in place when drilling but avoid excessive clamping pressure. Drill speeds up to 1,750 rpm are best for smaller holes, while speeds as low as 350rpm can work for larger holes. Use compressed air to prevent overheating, especially if sheet is more than 4.8mm thick.
BONDING
BONDING WITH ADHESIVES:
Recommended adhesives include cyanoacrylates, two part acrylics, two-part polyurethanes, and two-parts epoxies.
Several characteristics to consider when selecting an adhesive:
- Chemical compatibility with sheets
- Aesthetics of the finished joint
- Expansion / contraction temperature charges
- Brittleness / rigidity / flexibility
- Weatherabilty, if required
- Durability / service life
- Adhesive strength (adhesion to the plastic)
- End-use requirements
Joined surface must fit well without forcing and have no visible gaps. The surfaces to bonded should be smooth but not polished.
Some adhesives with a volatile component may shrink while curing. To compensate for this, cut the joint on an angle, providing space for the joint to slightly overfilled to compensate for shrinkage

MECHANICAL FASTENING:
This method is used when assembling or installing large or heavy parts. It is important to use screws designed specifically for plastics
THERMOFORMING

There are various thermoforming techniques that can be applied to NUDECPETg sheet to give it the desired shape when hot, either using mechanical force, compressed air or by means of a vacuum. Moulds can be made of plaster, steel, aluminum or other materials such as wood or epoxy.

For Thermoforming:
Pre-drying is not necessary, unlike polycarbonate, and offers significant savings in time and energy.
Thermoforming temperatures are from 120°C to 160°C. High temperatures can reduce impact resistance.
Lower thermoforming temperatures mean that vinyl laminates are not damaged during the process

BENDING
NUDECPETg sheet can be bent and folded with a small radius by first heating a thin strip on each side of the sheet using a resistance wire. When the sheet reaches the correct temperature (just above 105°C) and a slight resistance to folding can be noted, it can then be easily bent.

If an attempt is made to bend the sheet before it is sufficiently hot, stress is caused which could be make the part brittle; if , on the other hand, it is overheated, bubbles can appear along the bent section.
Thickness of up to 2.5mm can also be cold bent
DECORATION
HOT STAMPING:
NUDECPETg sheet can be hot stamped with signs, drawing, trademarks and other designs.
PRINTING:
NUDECPETg sheet can be printed using most printing methods; the ink, however, does not penetrate plastic in the same way as cloth or paper and ink adhesion may be less than desired. The risk of this occurring can be reduced by applying a layer of transparent lacquer over the print. The sheet can be also be printed, silkscreened or decorated by means of a laser.

Information in this data sheet is intended as a guide only and is provided without guarantee